Gloucestershire farmers concerned about dog attacks on livestock
Dog attacks on livestock have risen in the South West.
A study by NFU Mutual found farm animals worth an estimated £359,000 were severely injured or killed in dog attacks in the South West in 2023. This is a rise of 31% on the previous year.
Phoebe Turnbull, from NFU Mutual South West, said: “The shocking increase in the cost of dog attacks on livestock is incredibly alarming news for farmers in the South West of England"
“We’ve heard reports from farmers about the complacency and naivety of some dog owners who regularly allow their pets to roam off-lead in the countryside, seemingly unaware of the carnage the dog could cause, then are horrified when an attack happens."
A Gloucestershire farmer, Tanya Robbins has had first hand experience of attacks. She said it can be extremely traumatising for livestock and be very costly to farmers.
Tanya Robbins, said: "They are having an increasing effect, we've suffered a few attacks, but unfortunately it's becoming more and more of a problem."
"It's devastating. There's sheep that have been badly injured or even killed."
NFU Mutual are urging dog owners to behave responsibly to prevent future attacks.
Tanya Robbins, said: "We all adore our dogs and we don't think they'll do any harm. But they do need to be trained and we need to be aware of what they can do."